Pros and cons of day nurseries

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Day nurseries are childcare centres that care for babies from birth to four or five years old. We've rounded up the pros and cons of your child going to day nursery.

What are the advantages of day nurseries?

Day nurseries follow the early years foundation stage (EYFS). This provides a structure of learning and care for children from birth to five years old. This means the staff are trained to create a safe and stimulating environment for your child to enjoy and develop in.

Your child will be able to do a wide variety of activities to teach him different skills. Activities can include:

painting, drawing, gluing and sticking

imaginative play, with the sand pit, water table or playhouse

story time and reading

construction blocks and dough

jigsaws and puzzles

moving and dancing to music

singing

simple cooking

Your child will have a chance to play and learn in a group and one-to-one with a member of staff. He will also benefit from playing with other children, as this can help him to gain confidence and develop his social skills.

All day nurseries are also inspected and registered by the appropriate authority:

England: Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)

Scotland: HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE)

Wales: Estyn

Northern Ireland: Department for Education Northern Ireland (DENI)

Day nursery staff work closely together, and a manager oversees the running of the nursery.

Another plus is that day nurseries have clear rules for parents to follow, such as picking up and drop-off times. This means you know exactly what is expected of you. You will also have the opportunity to meet other parents who may be able to lend support and exchange favours such as babysitting.

A nursery place can be seen as a stable and reliable form of childcare, because the nursery will be open regardless of whether one carer is ill or late. So opting for a nursery means you don't have to take someone else's sickness or holidays into account.

Some employers subsidise day nursery fees, so check with your human resources department to see if you can get help. Many parents can also get extra help with the costs of approved or registered childcare through tax credits. For more information contact HM Revenue & Customs at www.hmrc.gov.uk, or phone their helpline on 0845 300 3900.

All three-year-olds and four-year-olds in the UK are entitled to a minimum of 10 hours of free early education for 38 weeks a year. Some two-year-olds are also now eligible, but this will depend on your income status. Check with your local council to find out what help is available in your area. See the guidelines for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

What are the disadvantages of day nurseries?

One problem with nurseries is that although you are paying a high charge, you must fit in with their opening and closing times. You'll also need to find back-up care when the nursery is closed or when your child is ill.

As your child is mixing with lots of other children, he may be more likely to catch illnesses such as colds and conjunctivitis.

Children are also less likely to get the one-to-one care that is taken for granted with a childminder, nanny or au pair. If you're planning to send your baby to a day nursery, bear in mind that one carer looks after up to three babies. This means your baby may not get as much attention.

Some parents believe that a day nursery is better suited to toddlers and preschoolers who are more ready to develop their social and creative skills.

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